Ghana has been placed in Group E after the draw for the 18th FIFA World Cup finals to be hosted by Germany.

The Black Stars would play Italy’s Azzuri in their debut World Cup game in Hannover on June 15.

Italy are seeded in Group E.

The Black Stars are one of the five representatives from Africa.

GROUP A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

GROUP B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Sweden

GROUP C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro
Holland

GROUP D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

GROUP E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic

GROUP F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

GROUP G
France
Switzerland
South Korea
Togo

GROUP H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

The opening match would be played on June 9.

Acting Ghana Football Association Chairman says Ghana would welcome any group it finds itself in when the draw for the 2006 World Cup is conducted tomorrow in Leipzig.

“We would welcome any group we are placed in. We are not dreaming about any possible group that would suit us. Playing at this level puts you up against tough opponents.

“Remember Cameroon beat Argentina and also at the last World Cup Senegal stunned the defending champions, France. It tells you anything can happen.”

Kwasi Nyantakyi and his general secretary, Kofi Nsiah, with other members of the football association are in Leipzig with Black Stars coach, Ratomir Dujkovic for the draw.